Laka

Eurovision

Laka, otherwise known as Elvir Laković, is a very popular singer from Goražde, Bosnia and Herzegovina, who has won not only acclaim in his home region but also has a more international following since his appearance in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008. Laka combines his music, which he describes as ‘hard pop’ or ‘soft alternative’ with unusual and metaphorical lyrics and uses humour to portray his more serious messages, mainly promoting love and understanding. His sister, Mirela Lela Laković, appears as a permanent character in his artwork, videoclips and music. Laka attended a lower music school in Goražde studying the guitar, but he disliked the school's teaching methods and views towards music, preferring to play songs he liked himself. He played folk music in the local cafes for money and formed a rock band called 'Deformacija poreza' with some of his school friends, competing at local festivals and recording the song 'Malo sam se razočar'o' (I got a little disappointed) in 1998, which won second place in a competition the following year. The success of ‘Razočaro’ launched Laka's career nationally and led to a recording contract with the Bosnian State Television. Laka continued to release a new song each year, including 'Vještica' (Witch), and 'Piškila' (You wet yourself), winning over the people of Bosnia with his originality and lack of pretentiousness. In 2002, his song 'Ja sam mor'o' (I had to) won the Bosnia Davorin music award for the best ...